A surprise inspection of the 168 Mall and Divisoria Mall Thursday by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), led by agency director Enrique Linsangan and National Capital Region director Pablito Cordeta, discovered that both buildings could be death traps in case of fire.

Among the fire code violations noted were very narrow pathways lined with store items, crowded stalls, and the absence of fire exit signs, Linsangan said.

The sprinkler systems of both stores were also covered with boxes, and other fire emergency signs were not luminous enough. There was also no first aid and fire protection equipment found in both malls, Linsangan said.

“With the Christmas season drawing closer and many of our people [coming] to the malls, we are conducting this fire evaluation and inspection thoroughly. Even the smallest fire safety violation shall be checked considering [that] what [is] at stake here is the safety of our people. Remember that in case a fire breaks outs, the people should be out of the building within three to four minutes,” Linsangan said.

Apart from surprise inspections, the BFP is also conducting seminars and an information campaign to educate people and owners of business establishments on what to do in case of fire.